What We Learned: AFC Championship

We learned that Peyton Manning is in his prime. No wait, we already knew that. I guess we learned that he's really good? Actually, I'd argue we are witnessing the best quarterback ever. Now, people will say I'm crazy, but he plays against bigger, faster, stronger, and more complex defenses than any other great has. Johhny Unitas? Great quarterback, my Dad's favorite, but the game was simpler then. Terry Bradshaw? Please, he is a cool guy, but not even close. John Elway? Close, but he leads the Brett Favre 'somehow made that play' realm. In my lifetime, I'd rank them Peyton, Elway, Favre. Brady? Please no, I have been saying for years he is a product of the system. That debate is for another post though, let's get back to the AFC Championship. Peyton carved up the Jets defense starting in the second quarter. This is what we see from great units; the Muhammed Ali greatness. They may struggle early on and take some punches, but all the while, they are learning their opponent. Then, suddenly, they come out swinging and they cannot be stopped.

Peyton must also be teaching his receivers how to catch. Have we ever seen a receiver play with Peyton Manning that didn't have exceptional hands? Stokley, Harrison, Collie, Garcon, Wayne, Aaron Moorehead, Dallas Clark; they can all catch! It's not like the could when they were drafted, though, because Wayne is the only first-day pick! Everyone on the Colts' roster can make an amazing grab, and I think it's because Peyton teaches them exactly where to be, and puts the ball exactly where he told them he would. Even without a running game, this offense is nearly unstoppable, and he's not doing it the way Brady does, with underneath throws or bombs to 81; he's not a machine, product of teh system, he is the system, and he makes amazing decisions. As far as the draft goes, their offensive line is old and tired, and you could see how many times Peyton had pressure. They need to reload there.

On the defensive side, we learned that the 'horrible' defensive front of the Colts is actually pretty damn good. The best running game in the league was stifled by a Colt front that people thought would be their downfall. However, I still think their secondary is their biggest problem. With Bob Sanders always hurt, they need a new playmaker at safety. They haven't played a team with a passing attack yet, so when Mr. Brees rolls into town, look out. Both teams have tremendous troubles in their secondary, a decent pass rush, and a great offense. It will be a fantastic game.

On the Jets side, they played admirably, but were simply no match for Peyton. The Jet defense has the best corner in the league, but probably the worst 2nd corner in the league. Coleman stepped in for Lito Sheppard, and it didn't help one bit. Garcon and Collie, whomever Coleman or Sheppard were sticking, burned them at will in the second half. I actually don't think the Jets' defense is as good as they appear to be. A normally abysmal running game actually did fairly well against their front seven. They need some help on the D line. Players like Peyton Manning also expose teams that don't get 'true' pass rush. Anyone can blitz with exotic packages, but players like Manning will find the holes. That's why teams with great pass rushers (Colts, Vikings) have truly great defenses, because they can sit back in the secondary and still get pressure with their front four. As a result, look for the Jets to target a CB with their first pick, and some D line and LB help later on.


On offense, Sanchez took a big step forward. He played very well, making good decisions and making some tough throws look easy. I am not a big fan, but he showed me great ability last night against an underrated Colt defense. As far as the run game goes, with Thomas likely leaving, they need to find a RB. Shonn Green is decent, but way too slow to be an every down back. Jerome Bettises cannot work in this league anymore, defenders are just too strong themselves.

DRAFT UPDATE: TOP NEEDS:

JETS: CB, DT, S, RB, WR
COLTS: DT, CB, S, OLINE